Always do what is good for everyone

https://odb.org/2025/08/25/being-a-blessing

1 Thessalonians 5:15–18 (NIV): 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

In a sporting game, it’s commendable to point out a goal when it’s scored against your team, although the referee did not see it as the ball went in but went out through a hole in the net! It is rare to do so, especially when your team ends up losing, but that’s the essence of sports – it’s more about participating than winning! At least, that’s the essence of sports originally. Nowadays, with sponsorship money and sports personalities making a living out of sports, winning has perhaps taken a life of its own!

In my line of negotiating contracts, while we may point out obvious errors and we draft fair contracts, we don’t act on behalf of the counter party. So, for example, more experienced parties may ask for certain compromises when negotiating against some tough clauses, but less experienced ones will miss them out. In being kind and fair, I can not tell them what to ask for as I always act in the best interests of my company. It is for you to ask and for me to evaluate and consider.

I guess the context of 1 Thessalonians 5:15 is more within the community of believers. That we strive to act in the best interests of everyone – always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. It speaks more of the interests of the community being above our own selfish interests. It highlights the Christian value of selfless dedication.

It reminds me of manna from heaven when the Israelites were in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Every household gets its fair share, sufficient for the day, but it may not be kept as it gets bad. But there’s no worry as a fresh supply will come tomorrow (except for the day before the Sabbath, where they will get a double portion that can last longer than a day). However, the manna is the same one for everyone in the community. There are no distinct flavours. There were no variations that they could order to their liking. Sometimes, being selfless is to cede to the needs of the community. We accept a flavour that’s neutral. Not salty, sweet, sour, or spicy, just plain and boring. Still, it’s better than not eating!

There’s a plain flavour to Christian life. Everyone gets something similar. It is for us to work with God and the Holy Spirit to make the best of what God has given us. Not for us to pick and choose but to go with the flow and allow Jesus to mould us and help us fulfil God’s calling, plans, and purposes for our lives. Then we will discover that His will is good, acceptable, and perfect! There is selflessness even in our relationship with God – we let God decide what’s best for us even if it may appear at first sight to be plain and boring!

Have a good week ahead, everyone! Accept the life God has given us and work with Jesus to turn it into the life God wants us to really have, living in His house and the beauty of His presence! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6)!